What is the Cause of Upset Stomach?

If you pay attention to your body, you can probably figure out the cause of upset stomach. Then you can work to heal it, and avoid your triggers. I’m sharing some of the common food and lifestyle related causes of stomach pain and indigestion.

See “Home Remedies for Upset Stomach” if you’re looking for relief.

Common Food Related Causes of Upset Stomach

Common food related causes of upset stomach may include:

Overeating or Eating Too Quickly

Consuming too much food or eating too fast can overwhelm the digestive system, leading to bloating and discomfort. Avoid eating in front of a screen or other distraction. Practice “Hara Hachi Bu“, the Japanese phrase that translated to “eat until you are 80% full”. It takes time for our stomachs to start feeling full when eating.

Spicy, Fatty, or Rich Foods

Fatty or spicy foods can cause stomach pain, especially if we overeat. They irritate the stomach lining, delay gastric emptying, or trigger acid reflux, a burning sensation in the throat.

Balance fats with acid or bitter foods, to help ease digestion. Use fats and starches to moderate the burn of spices.

Excessive Caffeine or Alcohol

These substances can irritate the stomach lining and lead to inflammation or acid buildup.

Food Allergies or Intolerances

Sensitivities to lactose, gluten, or other ingredients can cause stomach upset. Symptoms ranging from mild bloating to severe abdominal pain and diarrhea. True food allergies can trigger anaphylactic shock and death.

If you have chronic issues with upset stomach, consider an elimination diet. See if you feel better when avoiding certain foods.

Food Poisoning

Ingesting spoiled or contaminated food can cause sudden and severe symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and cramping.

Seek medical attention if you have:

• Severe or persistent pain that lasts more than a few hours
• High fever over 101.5°F (38.6°C)
• Blood in stool or vomit
• Dehydration symptoms
• Symptoms lasting more than two days
• Unusual symptoms such as blurry vision, difficulty breathing or muscle weakness. These may indicate exposure to botulism or other toxins.

Common Lifestyle Related Causes of Upset Stomach

Common lifestyle related causes of upset stomach may include:

Stress and Anxiety

Stress is another frequent culprit behind stomach upset. When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones like cortisol, which can disrupt normal digestive function. Stress may lead to increased stomach acid production, causing heartburn or acid reflux. It can also speed up or slow down digestion, resulting in symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation.

Chronic stress can even exacerbate conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), making stomach discomfort more frequent. Learning stress management techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, can help prevent these issues.

Bacterial or Viral Infections

Contaminated food, water, or surfaces can introduce harmful pathogens like E. coli or norovirus. These lead to gastroenteritis (commonly known as “stomach flu“).

Medications

Check the side effects on most medications, and you’ll find that many of them cause stomach upset or digestive issues. Over the counter medications like NSAIDs and aspirin can irritate the stomach lining. Antibiotics disrupt the natural balance of gut bacteria.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), often used to reduce stomach acid, can also lead to upset stomach as a side effect. By lowering stomach acid levels, PPIs can interfere with digestion, sometimes causing symptoms like bloating, gas, or diarrhea. They may also alter gut bacteria, potentially leading to imbalances that trigger stomach discomfort.

Acid Reflux or GERD

Excess stomach acid can backflow into the esophagus, causing heartburn, nausea, and discomfort. See Home Remedies for Acid Reflux.

Constipation or Gas

A buildup of gas or difficulty passing stools can stretch the intestinal walls, leading to pain and bloating.

Dehydration

Lack of proper hydration can impair digestion and exacerbate symptoms like nausea or a heavy feeling in the stomach.

Underlying Conditions

Chronic issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, or peptic ulcers may contribute to recurring stomach problems.

Kidney stones can also contribute to stomach upset. These hard mineral deposits form in the kidneys and can cause significant pain as they move through the urinary tract. The intense pain may radiate to the abdomen, mimicking stomach issues.

Additionally, the body’s response to this pain can include nausea and vomiting, further exacerbating the feeling of an upset stomach. Staying hydrated and seek medical evaluation for severe symptoms.

Smoking

Smoking is another common cause of stomach upset. Nicotine in cigarettes can irritate the stomach lining, increase stomach acid production, and weaken the lower esophageal sphincter. This combination can lead to acid reflux, heartburn, and general discomfort.

Smoking slows digestion, which may result in bloating, gas, or constipation. For those prone to stomach issues, reducing or quitting smoking can make a significant difference in overall digestive health.

This post is for informational purposes only. If pain is severe, incapacitating or last more than 24 hours, please see a trained health professional.

This article is written by Laurie Neverman. Laurie is a lifelong learner with a passion for natural remedies and holistic healing. She’s successfully improved her eyesight and cleared her psoriasis.